Pakistan says Trump called its leader a 'terrific guy' in official phone call

FILE - In this Sept. 21, 2016 file photo, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif speaks during the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters. Sharif and the country's powerful army chief left Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016 for a strategically located secret area bordering India to witness a military exercise of ground and air power amid increasing tension with India over Kashmir. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File)
(The Associated Press)

President-elect Donald Trump has spoken with more than 40 foreign leaders since he won the Nov. 8 election, but his transition team has provided few details about what is discussed in those conversations.

That has left plenty of room for the foreign leaders to offer their interpretations of these phonecalls, ranging from the discreet to the effusive.

The latest example came Wednesday, with the Pakistani government issued a statement saying that its prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, spoke to Mr. Trump and “felicitated him on his victory.”

The Pakistani government recounted Mr. Trump’s end of the conversation this way: “You have a very good reputation. You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way…Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people.”

In its own readout released late Wednesday night, the Trump transition team said the men had a “productive conversation” about “a strong working relationship” between the U.S. and Pakistan. Mr. Trump also said he is “looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif.”